Foreword Reviews INDIEFAB Book of the Year Award Finalist!
Some endings are inevitable, but so are some stories.
Cora Matthews, the principalÔÇÖs gloomy goth daughter, is not exactly popular Duke MeyerÔÇÖs type. Still, Duke finds himself inexplicably drawn to her dark eyes and mysterious manner. She makes it clear she doesnÔÇÖt return his admiration, but when a burst appendix lands Duke in the hospital, he and Cora will be forced to come together by the most unlikely intermediary: her eight-year-old brother, Jaime.
Duke learns Jaime has brain cancer and little chance of long-term survival. He admires the kidÔÇÖs plucky positivity and wild imagination and offers to write a story about JaimeÔÇÖs make-believe superheroes. So begins an epic taleÔÇöthat of Ghostboy, Chameleon, and the Duke of GraffitiÔÇöand a deep friendship between Duke and Jaime.
Despite their outward differences, Cora and Duke bond over their affection for Jaime, but unintended betrayal and JaimeÔÇÖs advancing disease threaten to derail their blossoming romance before it can truly take root.
Ghostboy, Chameleon & the Duke of Graffiti is a gorgeous debut novel that will resonate with the thoughtful fans of John GreenÔÇÖs blockbuster The Fault in Our Stars.

This young adult book caught me by storm. ┬áThere were a few underlying messages which continue to give me pause even a month after I finished the book. ┬áI think about how people are brought into our lives and what role they will play. Sometimes it’s to change our perspective. ┬áMaybe it’s because they will unknowingly help you bring your self-awareness into greater focus. ┬áThe best scenario┬áis when it is symbiotic and reciprocal. ┬áSo what does this diatribe have to do with the review? ┬áIt’s the most succinct explanation I can give of this book.

The interwoven tale of Duke, Cora, and Jaime is magical. ┬áIs there pain, emotion, and the potential for tears? ┬áYes, yes there is. ┬áHowever, the path these three journey together is nothing short of amazing. ┬áWhat paints this story with a beautiful brush is the rawness and honesty of what they ┬ámust face. ┬áYou run the gamut of emotions with each of them as they individually and collectively process the curveballs and pitfalls of life.

There is an inevitableness to this tale, even as you hope for the happy movie ending. ┬áDespite this, you will find yourself ferreting out the happiness and positivity of the story. ┬áBecause it’s there. ┬áThe joy Jamie has for life and the love for his sister, the selflessness Duke discovers within, and Cora’s return from hiding are poignant lessons and reminders of what we can do and find within our respective lives.

This read was a “cover looks good” selection. ┬áMan…what a lucky find. ┬áThis book is phenomenal. ┬áRead it and find out for yourself!

~ Review by Loredana

About Olivia Wildenstein

Olivia Wildenstein grew up in New York City, the daughter of a French father with a great sense of humor, and a Swedish mother whom she speaks to at least three times a day. She chose Brown University to complete her undergraduate studies and earned a bachelorÔÇÖs in comparative literature. After designing jewelry for a few years, Wildenstein traded in her tools for a laptop computer and a very comfortable chair. This line of work made more sense, considering her college degree.

When sheÔÇÖs not writing, sheÔÇÖs psychoanalyzing everyone she meets (Yes. Everyone), eavesdropping on conversations to gather material for her next book, baking up a storm (that she actually eats), going to the gym (because she eats), and attempting not to be late at her childrenÔÇÖs school (like she is 4 out of 5 mornings, on good weeks).

Wildenstein lives with her husband and three children in Geneva, Switzerland, where sheÔÇÖs an active member of the writing community.

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